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FRIDAY, Oct. 28, 2016 – In a finding that could lead to new treatments for acne, scientists say they've discovered a previously unrecognized way in which bacteria trigger inflammation in the skin. The skin is the body's first line of defense against invading germs. But it's also constantly awash in bacteria of all kinds – and usually puts up no fight. "It's a big puzzle as to why we tolerate all these bacteria on our skin," said lead researcher Dr. Richard Gallo, interim chair of dermatology at the University of California, San Diego. "Usually, we walk around at peace with them," Gallo pointed out. "But at certain times, that detente breaks down and you get an infection." In its study, Gallo's team focused on the Propionibacterium acnes bacteria. As the name suggests, the bacteria can contribute to acne – as well as certain other infections. Usually, P. acnes lives on the skin ... Read more

THURSDAY, Sept. 29, 2016 – There's some potentially good news for people with a history of acne – their skin may age more slowly than those who didn't have to suffer mottled skin through adolescence. That's the suggestion of a British study that included just over 1,200 twins. One-quarter of them struggled with acne at some point in their life. "For many years, dermatologists have identified that the skin of acne sufferers appears to age more slowly than in those who have not experienced any acne in their lifetime. Whilst this has been observed in clinical settings, the cause of this was previously unclear," said lead researcher Dr. Simone Ribero. He is a dermatologist in the department of twin research and genetic epidemiology at King's College London. "Our findings suggest that the cause could be linked to the length of telomeres, which appears to be different in acne sufferers and ... Read more

-- Acne is more than just a nuisance and a blow to someone's good looks. Letting acne run its course is not the best advice, the American Academy of Dermatology says. The academy adds: Lack of treatment can lead to permanent scarring and dark spots. Treating and ridding your skin of acne can boost self-esteem. Ignoring acne isn't wise or necessary. There are a host of effective treatments available. Read more

FRIDAY, March 4, 2016 – There are a number of safe and effective ways to treat chronic skin conditions in pregnant women, a dermatologist says. "If there is a way to manage your skin condition without medication during pregnancy, that is the preferred option," said Dr. Jenny Eileen Murase, an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the University of California, San Francisco. "If you have a condition that does require medication, however, a board-certified dermatologist can help you identify a treatment that's safe for both you and your baby," she added in an American Academy of Dermatology news release. The release was timed to coincide with the academy's annual meeting, which starts Friday in Washington, D.C. Eczema is the most common rash dermatologists see in pregnancy, Murase said. "Expectant mothers often see their existing eczema get worse or have a flare for the first ... Read more

FRIDAY, March 4, 2016 – There are still plenty of negative and mistaken beliefs about people with acne, a new study finds. Researchers showed photos of acne and several common skin conditions to study participants and asked them their views about each condition. More than 62 percent said they were upset by the photos of acne. And more than 80 percent said they felt pity toward people with acne, the research revealed. Of even greater concern, more than two-thirds said they would be ashamed if they had acne and would find someone with acne unattractive. Forty-one percent said they would be uncomfortable being seen in public with someone with acne, and more than 44 percent said they would be uncomfortable touching a person with acne, the findings showed. Many of the study participants had common misconceptions about acne. Fifty-five percent mistakenly believed acne was caused by poor ... Read more

-- Acne may be most visible on the skin, but for many people, its effects are greater than just temporary blemishes. Acne can lead to these physical and emotional issues, says the American Academy of Dermatology: Developing poor self-esteem and isolation. Developing depression, which can become severe. Developing dark spots that remain after acne has cleared. These may last for months or years. Developing scars. Read more

WEDNESDAY, Nov. 25, 2015 – Patients using prescription creams, gels, sprays and pills for skin conditions may shell out substantially more at the pharmacy than they did just six years ago, a new study suggests. Between 2009 and 2015, retail prices of brand-name dermatologic drugs rose 401 percent, on average, study authors reported Nov. 25 in JAMA Dermatology. Even generics have succumbed to price inflation, up 279 percent between 2011 and 2014, based on the drugs surveyed. Price increases for skin treatments far outpaced the general inflation rate of 11 percent during the six-year study period, the researchers said. "Cancer drugs were the worst in terms of the numbers" – up 1,240 percent or nearly $11,000 over the six-year study period – primarily because of two medicines, said Dr. Steven Rosenberg, voluntary professor of dermatology at the University of Miami Miller School of ... Read more

SATURDAY, Oct. 17, 2015 – No one is completely immune from warts, but some people are more susceptible to these unattractive skin growths, one expert says. Warts plague children and teens more often, along with people who frequently bite their nails, and those with weakened immune systems, said Dr. Adam Friedman, an associate professor of dermatology at the George Washington School of Medicine and Health Sciences. "Warts are caused by a virus, and the virus can sometimes spread from one place on your body to another or from person to person," Friedman said in an American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) news release. "However, each person's immune system responds to the wart virus differently, so not everyone who comes in contact with the virus develops warts," he added. There are ways to prevent warts from spreading. Don't pick or scratch your warts, and don't touch someone else's wart. ... Read more

WEDNESDAY, June 24, 2015 – New research suggests that high levels of vitamin B12 may affect germ activity in certain people, boosting the odds that they'll develop acne. However, it's too early to say if anyone should cut down on their vitamin B12 intake from food or vitamins to avoid getting pimples, researchers said. "I don't think we have studied enough to suggest that," said study leader Huiying Li, assistant professor of molecular & medical pharmacology at the University of California, Los Angeles. Still, the research provides insight into not only vitamin B12 but also genetic activity that could prompt pimples. "There are certain genes that could potentially influence whether people have acne breakouts or not," she said. "These genes could be targets of future drug treatment." The study appears in the June 24 issue of Science Translational Medicine. A deficiency in vitamin B12 ... Read more

Sold under various brand names such as Proactiv, Neutrogena, MaxClarity, Oxy, Ambi, Aveeno, Clean & Clear, and as store brands. [Posted 06/25/2014] ISSUE: FDA is warning that certain over-the-counter (OTC) topical acne products can cause rare but serious and potentially life-threatening allergic reactions or severe irritation. Consumers should stop using their topical acne product and seek emergency medical attention immediately if they experience hypersensitivity reactions such as throat tightness; difficulty breathing; feeling faint; or swelling of the eyes, face, lips, or tongue. Consumers should also stop using the product if they develop hives or itching. The hypersensitivity reactions may occur within minutes to a day or longer after product use. These serious hypersensitivity reactions differ from the local skin irritation that may occur at the product application site, such a ... Read more

WEDNESDAY, June 25, 2014 – Some popular over-the-counter acne treatments can cause severe irritation or even potentially life-threatening allergic reactions, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Wednesday. The products contain the active ingredients benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid and are applied to the skin. They are available as gels, lotions, face washes, solutions, cleansing pads, toners and face scrubs, the FDA said. The products are marketed under brand names such as Proactiv, Neutrogena, MaxClarity, Oxy, Ambi, Aveeno, and Clean & Clear, the agency said. The serious allergic reactions caused by these products differ from the less harmful potential problems – such as dryness, itching, burning, peeling, redness and slight swelling – already listed on the products' labels. "There is currently no mention of the possibility of these very severe allergic reactions on the ... Read more